MELINA REEVES EDU671: Fundamentals of Educational Research Professor Shelia G. Thomas January 21, 2014

I reside in North Texas with my husband. We are a month away from celebrating our 21 st anniversary. We have three daughters, ages 20, 20 and 19, who just recently left home. All three of them joined the Navy. We have two German Shepherds, Duke and Duchess and a miniature Chihuahua named Moose.

I completed my Bachelors degree at Ashford University in Social Science with Concentration in Education with a Minor in Social and Criminal Justice. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. I am currently a full time college student and house wife. My plans are to obtain my Master’s degree and pursue a teaching certificate in the State of Texas. In the past I have worked as a Substitute in grades k-12.

I have had several teachers that have influenced my life but one stands out among all the rest. I am here because I didn’t give up. Mrs. Luton, my English teacher in high school was the toughest teacher I had ever had in my entire educational career. She was feared by all who even thought of having to be placed in her class. She had extremely high expectations. She pushed and prodded us to always do our best. She taught us that we are all responsible for our lives and how we turn out. Not our heritage, not our schooling, not our parents, jobs or home life. All responsibility falls to our choices. We choose our paths. Mrs. Luton is my inspiration. Because of her I have never given up despite some adversity that could bring the toughest people to their knees.. My choices because of, her have made me strong.

I have limited work experience. This will hurt my chances to secure any type of employment. However, with a Master’s degree I open a few more doors than were previously unlocked. Until I obtain my teaching certificate, I would like to work in a rural school as an Aide or in the special education department.